Stratasys and Pantone Accelerate Design Realism in Rapid Prototyping

J750 and J735 first-ever 3D printers validated by Pantone – the global authority and provider of physical and digital color standards for full design-to-production workflow

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AMUG 2019 – Setting new standards for realism in 3D printed design, Stratasys (NASDAQ: SSYS) today unveiled a new agreement with Pantone – a leading global authority of professional color standards in multiple vertical industries. Under terms of the agreement, Stratasys becomes the first 3D printing solutions provider with technology officially designated as PANTONE Validated™ - reflecting the qualification and approval to simulate Pantone Matching System (PMS) colors on printed objects.

Both Stratasys J750™ and J735™ PolyJet™ 3D Printers are endorsed by Pantone as meeting the PANTONE Validated standards of color quality and realism. Backed by this substantiation, these PolyJet solutions are perfectly aligned to meet the stringent requirements of design studios as they synchronize the design-to-manufacturing process. The agreement allows for simple and accurate color communication between designers, modellers and manufacturers – with easy “choose-and-print” color-matching to Pantone identities.

Two of the most powerful 3D printing solutions for designers, both J750 and J735 offer better product design through faster iterations, advanced design options and creation of final models that match shapes, colors, material appearance, finish and complex graphic design elements. This new validation enables Stratasys to offer thousands of printable and globally-recognized Pantone Colors, ensuring all contributors to the design process are speaking the same language, potentially reducing iterations, shrinking design cost, and speeding time-to-revenue.

“Designers work hard to build realistic prototypes in ways that speed design, build and development cycles. Unfortunately, typical approaches of manually painting each and every model is time consuming,” said Hadas Schragenheim, Rapid Prototyping Manager, Stratasys. “Our agreement with Pantone sets the stage for a revolution in design and prototype processes. As the industry’s first 3D printers officially ‘PANTONE Validated,’ we’re allowing designers to build realistic prototypes faster than ever before – shrinking design-to-prototype and accelerating product time-to-market.”

It’s anticipated that Stratasys customers can access Pantone functionality directly within the GrabCAD Print environment by July 2019 – assigning and applying colors to 3D printed models by browsing the relevant Pantone book.

“Pantone maintains a relentless focus on providing physical and digital design solutions that are aligned with the way modern designers work. Given the innovative applications of 3D printing in design, prototyping and production workflows, Stratasys is a natural partner-of-choice,” said Iain Pike, Director of Partner Business Development for Pantone. “Together, we’re ensuring designers and manufacturers can leverage advanced 3D Printing technologies to create the most vibrant and color-correct 3D printed prototypes the market has ever seen – and with confidence that simulated Pantone colors reflect the design intent.”

In industries ranging from consumer packaged goods to home products, Stratasys customers can now tackle design challenges with the expertise of Pantone. Eliminating wasted time and money associated with manual painting and other traditional design approaches, the combination of Stratasys and Pantone drives the highest levels of professional design for better products and greater innovation in the shortest amount of time.

Stratasys is exclusively unveiling this agreement with Pantone at this week’s Additive Manufacturing User Group (AMUG) Conference 2019 in Chicago, IL. Visit Stratasys at Booth No. D17 in Salon D of the Hilton Chicago. Learn more about the power of Pantone and Stratasys at https://www.stratasys.com/3d-printers/j735-j750.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The statements in this press release relating to Stratasys’ beliefs regarding the benefits consumers will experience from the Stratasys and Pantone collaboration and the expected availability of the Pantone Colors and functionality though GrabCAD Print environment are forward-looking statements reflecting management's current expectations and beliefs. These forward-looking statements are based on current information that is, by its nature, subject to rapid and even abrupt change. Due to risks and uncertainties associated with Stratasys' business, actual results could differ materially from those projected or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the risk that consumers will not perceive the benefits of the Stratasys and Pantone relationship to be the same as Stratasys does; the risk that unforeseen technical or other difficulties will delay the availability of the Pantone Colors and functionality though GrabCAD Print environment; and other risk factors set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in Stratasys' most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 7, 2019. Stratasys is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by the rules and regulations of the SEC.

Pantone provides a universal language of color that enables color-critical decisions through every stage of the workflow for brands and manufacturers. More than 10 million designers and producers around the world rely on Pantone products and services to help define, communicate and control color from inspiration to realization – leveraging advanced X-Rite technology to achieve color consistency across various materials and finishes for graphics, textile and product design. Pantone Standards feature digital and physical color specification and workflow tools. The Pantone Color Institute^™ provides customized color standards, brand identity and product color consulting as well as trend forecasting inclusive of Pantone Color of the Year, Fashion Runway Color Trend Reports, color psychology and more. Pantone Professional (B2B) Licensing incorporates the Pantone Color System into different products and services, enabling licensees to communicate and reproduce approved Pantone values and improve efficiencies for their users. Pantone Lifestyle brings color and design together across apparel, home, and accessories. Connect with Pantone on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn.

Stratasys is a global leader in additive manufacturing or 3D printing technology and is the manufacturer of FDM^® and PolyJet™ 3D Printers. The company’s technologies are used to create prototypes, manufacturing tools, and production parts for industries, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, consumer products and education. For 30 years, Stratasys products have helped manufacturers reduce product-development time, cost, and time-to-market, as well as reduce or eliminate tooling costs and improve product quality. The Stratasys 3D printing ecosystem of solutions and expertise includes: 3D printers, materials, software, expert services, and on-demand parts production. Online at: www.stratasys.com, http://blog.stratasys.com and LinkedIn.

Stratasys, the Stratasys signet, J750, J735, FDM, Fortus, F370, 450mc and PolyJet are trademarks or registered trademarks of Stratasys Ltd. and/or its subsidiaries or affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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